Eastern Health is advising the public that visitor restrictions previously implemented at St. Patrick’s Mercy Home in St. John’s because of an increase in influenza and influenza-like illness have now been lifted.

The health authority said in a news release today visitor restrictions have been lifted at all Eastern Health facilities with the exception of the Dr. L. A. Miller Centre in St. John’s.

Immediate family members should contact the Miller Centre directly at (709) 777-6292 for further direction on visitation.

Eastern Health says respiratory and gastrointestinal illnesses continue to be common in the community during this time of year.

The public is asked not to visit any health care facility if they feel ill or are experiencing flu-like or gastrointestinal symptoms.

For infection prevention, people are advised to wash their hands frequently, cover their coughs or sneezes with a tissue or the crook of their arms and refrain from touching their faces. And, those still seeking the flu shot should contact their physician or community health office.

A complete list of Eastern Health facilities currently restricted to visitors, can be found online at www.easternhealth.ca.

Eastern Health said it apologizes for any inconvenience.

Western Health, meanwhile, also announced today that visitor restrictions have now been lifted at Sir Thomas Roddick Hospital. But visitor restrictions are continuing at the medical day-care unit and third floor medicine units of Western Memorial Regional Hospital.

Those visitor restrictions are in place due to a number of patients with influenza like illness.

Western Health says, due to the high incidence of influenza circulating in communities, anyone who has influenza-like symptoms including cough, fever, runny nose, and headache are asked not to visit any of Western Health’s facilities.

The health authority says anyone with any of these symptoms should rest at home, drink fluids, practice proper hand washing with water and soap, and if the symptoms persist, contact their physician. To prevent the spread of infection, the health authority is also urging people to wash or sanitize their hands when entering or leaving any of Western Health's facilities.

Western Health said it would like to ask for the public’s co-operation during these temporary visitor restrictions. Exceptions may be made in extenuating circumstances for immediate family members, but, they are asked to contact the unit directly before attempting to visit.